A man has died at Spencer Park beach in Christchurch today, while seven people have been treated for minor injuries following a water incident.

The incident was reported to emergency services at around 12:45 pm.

A St John Ambulance spokesman said they were notified of a water-related incident near Spencer Park and responded with four ambulances and five clinical managers.

He said they assessed and treated seven patients with minor injuries at the scene.

An eyewitness said he arrived at the beach, about 100 metres south of the clubhouse.

“Lifeguards and local fire engine people were there already. Paramedics were performing CPR on the man.”

After maybe 15 or 20 minutes, he passed away surrounded by what looked like several friends. There was no boat near the scene.

The witness said “the volunteer firefighters, ambulance, police staff were so professional and clearly upset. particularly the lifeguards, as they looked to be teenagers.”

A police spokeswoman said enquiries into the circumstances of the death were ongoing.